10+ Best Train Books for 7-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Choo-choo! Are you on the lookout for the perfect train books for 7-year-olds? Whether your little conductor is a budding train enthusiast or just loves a good story, we've got a fantastic lineup that will keep their curiosity chugging along. Dive into our lists of train books tailored specifically for 7-year-olds and discover their next favorite read. Keep reading to explore all the exciting options we've gathered just for you!

Fun Train Books for 7-Year-Olds

• Locomotive by Brian Floca
  • Genre(s): Historical, Non-fiction
  • Synopsis: This beautifully illustrated book takes readers on a journey across America in the early days of the railroads, focusing on the transcontinental railroad.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating blend of detailed illustrations and engaging text that brings the history of American railroads to life, making it both educational and entertaining.
  • Perfect for: Young train enthusiasts and history buffs.

• The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper, illustrated by George and Doris Hauman
  • Genre(s): Classic, Children's fiction
  • Synopsis: A timeless story about a small engine that, despite its size, successfully pulls a train full of toys over a mountain to the children on the other side.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its underlying message of optimism and perseverance is inspiring for young readers, encouraging them to think "I think I can" in their own lives.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy stories about determination and overcoming challenges.

• Steam Train, Dream Train by Sherri Duskey Rinker, illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Bedtime story
  • Synopsis: As night falls, a magical train pulls into the station. Each car is loaded by different animals with items suited for a dreamy nighttime journey.
  • Why we recommend this book: The rhythmic, soothing text and charming illustrations make it an ideal bedtime read, helping to settle young minds for sleep.
  • Perfect for: Children who love animals and imaginative, calming bedtime stories.

• Trains: Steaming! Pulling! Huffing! by Patricia Hubbell, illustrated by Megan Halsey and Sean Addy
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Picture book
  • Synopsis: This book introduces young readers to all kinds of trains and what they do, from freight trains to passenger trains and all the parts that make them up.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's packed with fun, lively rhymes and colorful collage illustrations that capture the excitement of trains.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers and early readers who are fascinated by trains and eager to learn more about how they work.

• The Goodnight Train by June Sobel, illustrated by Laura Huliska-Beith
  • Genre(s): Bedtime story, Fiction
  • Synopsis: This story follows a magical train ride that takes sleepy children to dreamland, with soothing, rhythmic text and vibrant illustrations.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its gentle, lulling text and whimsical pictures make it a perfect nighttime read, helping children wind down at the end of the day.
  • Perfect for: Young readers looking for a calming and enjoyable bedtime story.

• Thomas and Friends: My Red Railway Book Box by Rev. W. Awdry
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Fiction
  • Synopsis: A set of board books featuring Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends on various adventures around the railway.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's interactive and engaging, perfect for early readers who enjoy stories of friendship and adventure.
  • Perfect for: Young fans of Thomas the Tank Engine and children who like stories with vibrant characters and simple plots.

Educational Train Books for 7-Year-Olds

• All Aboard! National Parks: A Wildlife Primer by Haily Meyers and Kevin Meyers
  • Genre(s): Educational, Non-fiction
  • Synopsis: This engaging board book takes young readers on a train journey through various national parks, introducing them to the unique wildlife and scenic landscapes found in each.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Environmental awareness, animal recognition, geographic knowledge
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines simple learning with beautiful illustrations, making it easy for kids to connect with nature and learn about different ecosystems.
  • Perfect for: Young nature lovers and budding environmentalists.

• The Caboose Who Got Loose by Bill Peet
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Rhyming story
  • Synopsis: Katy Caboose longs for freedom from the endless track and finds it unexpectedly when her rusty bolts snap, freeing her from the train to explore the beautiful countryside.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Rhyming skills, creative thinking, vocabulary development
  • Why we recommend this book: Bill Peet's whimsical rhymes and captivating illustrations provide a delightful reading experience while sparking imagination.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy stories with a sense of adventure and a love for rhymes.

• Trains Go by Steve Light
  • Genre(s): Picture book, Sound book
  • Synopsis: This vibrantly illustrated book captures the sounds and actions of various trains, from steam engines to modern express trains, with simple, onomatopoeic text.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Auditory discrimination, understanding of motion and mechanics, early reading skills
  • Why we recommend this book: Its playful sound words and bold illustrations make it a hit for read-aloud sessions, engaging young readers' senses.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers and preschoolers who delight in sounds and moving vehicles.

• Train by Elisha Cooper
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Picture book
  • Synopsis: Follow a commuter train on its route and see the different landscapes and cities it passes through, meeting various other trains along the way.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Geographic literacy, understanding of transportation, observational skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a detailed look at different types of trains and their purposes, illustrated with beautiful watercolors that capture the essence of a journey.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in transportation and how different communities are connected by trains.

• The Big Book of Trains by DK
  • Genre(s): Reference, Educational
  • Synopsis: From old steam locomotives to today's high-speed bullet trains, this book covers the history and technology of trains and railways across the world.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, technical understanding, reading comprehension
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s packed with facts, photographs, and diagrams that help children understand the evolution and mechanics of trains.
  • Perfect for: Young train enthusiasts and readers who crave detailed information and rich visual content.

Challenging Train Books for 7-Year-Olds

• The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Christmas
  • Synopsis: A young boy embarks on a magical adventure to the North Pole on the Polar Express, learning about bravery and the spirit of Christmas.
  • Why this book is challenging: The text explores complex themes of belief and the spirit of Christmas, intertwined with advanced vocabulary.
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the magic of the holiday season through a unique train journey, offering a profound narrative that resonates with readers.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy magical adventures and holiday stories.

• The Railway Children by E. Nesbit
  • Genre(s): Classic, Adventure
  • Synopsis: After their father is mysteriously taken away, three children and their mother move to a house near the railway, where they befriend the local community and embark on several adventures.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features sophisticated themes of social justice and familial responsibility, written in early 20th-century English.
  • Why we recommend this book: This classic tale teaches compassion and resilience through the adventures of its relatable young protagonists.
  • Perfect for: Advanced young readers who appreciate historical settings and rich storytelling.

• The Secret Subway by Shana Corey, illustrated by Red Nose Studio
  • Genre(s): Historical, Non-fiction
  • Synopsis: This book tells the fascinating true story of Alfred Ely Beach and his invention of New York's first underground train in 1870.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces historical concepts and engineering details that are sophisticated for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a glimpse into a little-known part of history through engaging storytelling and distinctive clay-figure illustrations.
  • Perfect for: Curious minds interested in history and how things work.

• The Iron Giant by Ted Hughes
  • Genre(s): Science fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: A mysterious metal giant appears in a small town, befriending a young boy and facing challenges that test his true nature and purpose.
  • Why this book is challenging: This novel deals with themes of friendship, fear, and redemption, wrapped in rich, descriptive language.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a compelling narrative that combines elements of fantasy with profound moral questions, ideal for thoughtful young readers.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy science fiction and exploring deep, meaningful stories.

• Down the Drain! by Chris Owen and Chris Nixon
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Humor
  • Synopsis: A young boy's bath toys go on an unexpected journey through the plumbing, leading them to discover an underground train system run by rodents.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book uses a playful use of language and complex narrative structure to weave its story.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor with adventure, encouraging imagination and a love for quirky tales.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love fun, adventurous stories with a touch of whimsy.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to make reading about trains more engaging for your 7-year-old, here are some fun exercises that can help develop their reading habits. These activities are not only enjoyable but also educational, making reading time something they'll look forward to!

• Create a Reading Train
  • What it is: Build a "train" where each "car" represents a book your child has read.
  • How it helps: Encourages consistent reading as they see their train grow.
  • Tips: Use toys or craft supplies to build the train and add a new car for each book finished.

• Train Story Map
  • What it is: Draw a map that tracks the journey within a train book.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and recall of the story's events and settings.
  • Tips: Keep colored pencils and a large paper handy for mapping while or after reading.

• Engineer Interviews
  • What it is: Pretend to interview the train engineer or other characters from the book.
  • How it helps: Boosts imagination and understanding of character roles and motivations.
  • Tips: Take turns playing the role of the interviewer and the character.

• Scenic Story Stops
  • What it is: Pick certain pages or chapters to create a drawing or craft based on the scene.
  • How it helps: Helps visualize the story and enhances artistic skills.
  • Tips: Provide a variety of art supplies and encourage creativity without worrying about mess.

• Timetable of Tales
  • What it is: Create a reading schedule that resembles a train timetable.
  • How it helps: Teaches organization and the importance of sticking to a reading routine.
  • Tips: Allow your child to help plan the schedule and decorate it.

Incorporating these exercises into your child’s reading routine can turn their journey through train books into an adventurous exploration. Not only will they enhance their reading skills, but they'll also have a lot of fun along the way. All aboard the reading train! 🚂📚